Our Programs and Initiatives
AT STRIVE, we create partnerships with employers that result in jobs— and jobs that lead to life-changing careers—all while helping employers close critical gaps in their workforces.
For over 40 years, we have partnered with people looking for better lives and new starts. We match their talents and determination with top-ranking employers, leading to long-term upward mobility and economic prosperity.
CAREER PATH
Our flagship program, Career Path, helps students land jobs and build careers in essential industries and in-demand fields. Each student enrolled in Career Path completes a signature job readiness workshop, STRIVE START, which provides critical life and job skills training to prepare students to excel at every step of their career journey. Once students graduate from Career Path, STRIVE matches their talent with top-ranking employers in the community, and continues to provide mentoring and support along their path forward.
After STRIVE START, students engage in hands-on occupational skills training tailored to local job market needs, earning industry-recognized certifications and credentials in growing fields like Healthcare, Construction and Logistics.
The program includes personalized career coaching to help students overcome obstacles to success. STRIVE also provides job placement assistance through partnerships with local employers, ensuring good matches for students' skills and growth opportunities. All students receive lifetime follow-up and support as STRIVE stands with all our students even after they graduate and advance in their careers, because STRIVE recognizes that there are ups and downs along every student’s path and STRIVE provides support for every graduate’s lifetime. STRIVE’s proven Career Path five-pillar model is a foundation for all its programs, contributing to students’ success for decades.
FUTURE LEADERS
Launched in 2015, Future Leaders provides job training, career exploration and personalized support to young adults between the ages of 18 to 24 who have been impacted by the justice system, bridging education gaps they have experienced. This evidence-informed program offers work experience, community service opportunities and workshops to hone their leadership skills and change their futures with a life-changing career. Future Leaders is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and was developed in collaboration with MDRC and the Youth Development Institute, with support from The Annie E. Casey Foundation.
STRIVE Future Leaders currently operates in Atlanta, Chicago, Connecticut, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia and San Diego.
FRESH START
Fresh Start provides life and career support to adults who were previously incarcerated or on parole or probation, recently released, and are ready for a new beginning. Through Fresh Start, we connect students with access to housing assistance, health and wellness services and other personalized support to start a new chapter, confidently re-enter the workforce and achieve financial independence.
STRIVE provides individualized development plans as students engage in career training, credentialing and job placement in high-demand fields.
The Fresh Start program benefits from generous private support, including a $1.8 million grant from Gotham Gives in 2021, one of our largest ever.
Our Initiatives
Digital Skills @ STRIVE
Bridging the Digital Divide
At STRIVE, we bridge the digital divide for people faced with societal and systemic barriers to employment. Across all our programs and even after graduation, students and alumni gain knowledge of fundamental digital skills to secure a long-term career. We also ensure that all STRIVE students have equitable access to digital resources by providing high-speed wireless internet or functioning hardware and software during the program for those who need it.
Health and Wellness Support System
Prioritizing Mental Health
Our Health & Wellness Support System initiative offers wellness screenings, mental health education, one-on-one and group support and other services to prioritize our students' well-being. Mental health is fundamental to professional development and personal growth. Through our holistic approach to wellness, students get the care they need to succeed and flourish at STRIVE and beyond.
Women's Empowerment Initiative
Investing in Women
Recognizing ongoing systemic barriers and ongoing wage and opportunity gaps for women in the workplace, our Women’s Empowerment Initiative delivers tailored services and programming to women—who comprise nearly half of STRIVE students—so they can thrive in the workplace and achieve long-term financial independence for themselves and their families. We provide professional development workshops, peer support groups, mental health services, childcare referrals and financial education workshops, among other offerings.